Guppies peer out from beneath some of the lily pads at the edge of the water, dipping back down into the depths the moment I wave. Sure, they’re shy, that’s normal, but it reminds me that despite how welcoming Rainbow has been, I’m a stranger. This isn’t my family—it’s Gil’s and I have to make a good impression.
“Are you sure this is okay?” I ask Rainbow quietly. “I can wait for Gil to arrive.”
“Why wouldn’t it be okay?” she says, pivoting on her foot and putting a hand on her hip.
“I don’t want to offend anyone. I mean, I’d really like to make a good impression. He seems really close with everyone—especially his mom and Grampy.”
“Then you’d better let her fix you a plate,” she says, winking her transparent eyelids.
“You’re… you’re… hi!” I greet her, retracing every single word I’ve said to her because surely there was something embarrassing in there. “It’s so nice to meet you!”
“Likewise.” She nods, pulling me in for yet another hug. “You know, Gil always used to tell the most fun stories about the way you two played each summer. Despite it being dangerous for himto keep sneaking up there, I could never forbid it, not with how happy he was coming home each day.”
“I wish I could remember them all,” I admit. When everyone around you tells you’re wrong over and over, things aren’t as clear.
They’re grownups; they must know better.
What would Uncle Orson, Aunt Andrea, or the dozens of therapists say if they could see all of this? Would they apologize for the memories they made fray at the edges?
“Sometimes, it’s easier for humans that way,” she murmurs sadly. “The longer they’re away from the fantastical, the more they’ll tell themselves it’s all a dream.”
“I don’t want to forget any of this,” I say softly, but Rainbow just smiles and puts her hand on my shoulder.
“Then don’t stay away too long.”
By the time we’ve reached the end of the table, my plate is loaded up with what reminds me a lot of Southern food. There are staples like cornbread and greens, but the shellfish are large and have pretty pastel shells. Everything is sweet or spiced and filled with butter. By my second bite, I can’t stop myself from eating more.
“Well, hi there,” a voice calls, and when we whirl around, I’m met with the face of a … human?No.
She’s tall with deep brown skin and purple freckles across her face; the color not only matches her long braids, but also thewingsat her back.
I’ve seen faeries around the festival, but up close, it feels even more like I’ve stepped into a fairytale.
This ethereal woman leans forward and gives Rainbow a kiss on the cheek.
“This is my partner, Violet,” Rainbow says, a giggle at the edge of her voice. I wonder if the two of them have only gottentogether recently or if for some people that spark never goes away.
I like that as an idea.
“Good to meet you,” Violet says, extending her hand.
“You too!” I say, shaking my head. My gaze drifts to the sparkly details of her wings, and the way the colors change in time with the music. How beautiful.
“Used to spending your time in the mortal realm?” Violet asks with a chuckle.
“Honestly, it’s the best family party I’ve ever been to,” I admit. “Although, part of me is wondering when Nessie might show up.”
I cringe at myself. The Loch Ness monster might be taboo around here or a hoax. Rainbow hands me my plate, brows raised. “Nessa hasn’t come to a party in years. Y’all know each other?”
I seriously can’t tell if she’s teasing me or not.
“Some stories…” I reply because it seems like my safest bet.
“Istill haven’t even met her,” Violet grumbles, crossing her arms. “And I’ve been dating Rainbow here for what … two years now?”
“Well, we’ll have to see if we can peer pressure her to come out, hm?” Rainbow says, Either these two are really committing to the bit, or the likelihood I’ll be meeting a legendary monster is higher than I realized.
If this Nessa is anything like them, well, I think I’d be in good, webbed hands.
